People also apply it directly to the skin to try to help with wounds or insect bites.

There is not enough evidence to prove that black currant helps with menstruation-related symptoms or these other health conditions.

Optimal doses of black currant have not been set for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it hard to set a standard dose.

Can you get black currant naturally from foods?

You can eat the berry of the black currant plant. The berry is also used as a flavoring in liqueurs and other products.

What are the risks of taking black currant?

The juice, leaves, and flowers of black currant are safe when eaten in food products. Black currant is also considered safe if you use the berry or seed oil appropriately as medicine. More information is needed to know whether its dried leaf is safe.

Side effects. The GLA in black currant seeds can sometimes cause side effects, such as:

Also, avoid combining black currant with antipsychotic drugs called phenothiazines. In some people, this combination may raise the risk of seizure.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications or foods. He or she can let you know if the supplement might raise your risks.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does regulate dietary supplements; however, it treats them like foods rather than medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don’t have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.